“Charm,” by Tracy Wolff, puts an end to a lingering curiosity that has been weaved throughout the series.
Wolff is a No.1 New York Times, International, and USA Today best-selling author. She has written more than 60 novels and book series.
Of the numerous series of which Wolff has written and published, one contains the book “Charm.” This 592-page book was published by Entangled Publishing in 2022 and is the fifth book out of six in the young adult fantasy romance book series: “The Crave” series.
“The Crave” series consists of six books: “Crave,” published in 2020; “Crush,” published in 2020; “Covet,” published in 2021; “Court,” published in 2022; “Charm,” published in 2022; and “Cherish,” published in 2023.
In between the first book, “Crave,” (2020) and the second, “Crush,” (2020) there is a gap of time left out from the plot. Four months had elapsed between the ending of “Crave” (2020) and the beginning of “Crush,” (2020) which Grace, the female main character, does not remember. We, as the readers, are also left in the dark until Grace remembers at the end of the book, “Court.” (2022)
“Charm” (2022) picks up right at the end of “Crave;” (2020) being the missing four months of time between books. Grace and Hudson, the male main character, are stuck together and neither know how to escape or what happened for them to be there. Throughout the book they find out what happened, how it was caused, and how to escape. Grace and Hudson learn to work together, despite the obvious tension and hatred they seem to hold for one another.
Although this novel is sequentially the fifth book, due to the plot, it can be read any time after the first book, “Crave,” (2020) in which the characters are introduced.
Because this book gives structure and information necessary for the sixth book, “Cherish,” (2023) it’s assumed that it must be read as the fifth book, in the order of which this series was written and published. However, when you start reading the book it is very evident that no time has passed since “Crave.” (2020) “Charm” (2022) is written in such a way that it feels like going back in time. There is nothing that alludes to any plot points happening beyond “Crave,” (2020) meaning this book could be read directly after the fact.
Having the liberty of being able to read this book as either the fifth book in the series or the second book in the series gives these installments more opportunity to be read a second time.
The first read through elicits mystery, curiosity, and suspense of what exactly happened in the lost months for the three books following “Crave” (2020) in the series; “Crush,” (2020) “Covet,” (2021) and “Court.” (2022) Being able to gauge Hudson’s reactions and emotions throughout the books leaves more desire to know what events had happened.
Logically, the way to read it would be in the sequence of which the books were published. Not only does it flow better and keep the curiosity high, but it comes in when it is necessary to the timeline.
Originally when reading this book, I could not make it all the way through. Due to where this book lands in the sequence, the two main characters in “Charm,” (2022) Grace and Hudson, have already gone through the enemies to lovers trope, working out their issues.
Having to read the beginning of this book, where it feels as though all progress is lost by going back to hating one another, made it difficult for me to finish.
Despite this, when I picked it back up a few months later, I finished the book in a week. After finishing the book, I realized “Charm” (2022) falls where it needs to in the series, even if readers are given the option to read earlier on.
The curiosity and confusion the reader is left with from not knowing what happened early in the plot until later down the line gives more of a connection to Grace who also is unable to remember the events. Being read as the fifth book, “Charm” (2022) makes it feel more as though you are being led through the story with Grace, not just reading her story.
Whenever the reader chooses to read “Charm,” (2022) the plot and storyline progresses well and flows nicely between “Crave” (2020) and “Crush,” (2020) its place in the timeline, or between “Court” (2022) and “Cherish,” (2023) its order in the series.
The character development of both Grace and Hudson makes the book more enticing. You get to see Grace’s views change about Hudson over time and how Hudson portrays himself in comparison to his thoughts and how he feels.
Wolff’s writing is vivid and descriptive, making the book come to life, painting a picture through every scene. There are high tensions, intense action, challenging choices, and heartbreaking moments all rolled into one book.
